Jeanne - Simme Valley
Well-known member
I forgot to address the "bulge" in the side. This could be bloat.
Are your pastures all grass, or alfalfa/ clover? Legumes (alfalfa & clover & treefoil) will make cattle bloat. And they can die from bloat.
Excessive grain, too fast, can also make them bloat. That's why I suggested increasing by 1% of their body weight. They should easily eat 3% of their body weight.
If you have heavy legumes in your pastures, you may need to add some dry hay to the mix - just watch them. Generally, if it's a grass/legume mix they should be fine, might just need to adjust to it.
Are your pastures all grass, or alfalfa/ clover? Legumes (alfalfa & clover & treefoil) will make cattle bloat. And they can die from bloat.
Excessive grain, too fast, can also make them bloat. That's why I suggested increasing by 1% of their body weight. They should easily eat 3% of their body weight.
If you have heavy legumes in your pastures, you may need to add some dry hay to the mix - just watch them. Generally, if it's a grass/legume mix they should be fine, might just need to adjust to it.